ANTHONY Gerrard, like his more illustrious cousin Steve, is a driving force in any team he plays for.

An all-action defender wearing his big heart on his sleeve for anyone to see.

And there the comparisons should end.

The 22-year-old finds it a bit annoying when the line is trotted out in the press as if “cousin of Steven Gerrard” is part of his name.

He said: “I am proud to be his cousin but I want to be known in football on my own but it keeps getting thrown in week in week out so what can you do?”

What Gerrard (A) does is throw himself wholeheartedly into every game with displays that have earned him the player of the season accolade twice in his three full seasons at Walsall after an impressive loan spell, which, incidently has made him one of the longest serving players in the present squad which brought a smile and comment: “That’s a bit worrying at 22.”

The current squad has promise and the former Everton player believes there is much more to come from the team and from his own displays. “We have made some good additions, we just have to roll with the punches. Things change every season in the lower leagues, squads have to change with funds and facilities and so on.”

The central defender is qualified for both England and Ireland and, like any player, would love international recognition but first would like recognition in his own right.

“There is no point in getting fans’ player and players’ player and noone els takes any notice. Don’t get me wrong it is a great achievement but it is not getting recognition from outsiders.

“I want to get a bit of recognition for what I am doing, Anthony Gerrard on his own rather than cousin of.”

With his drive and passion for the game that day might not be too long in coming.